peach crisp recipe

How to Make Classic Chinese Peach Cookies (Tao Su)

Peach cookies (Tao Su), a beloved Chinese pastry, delight with their crumbly texture and nutty aroma. Here’s a simple guide to baking them at home.

Ingredients:

- 150g all-purpose flour

- 50g granulated sugar

- 50g vegetable oil (or lard for flakiness)

- 1 egg yolk

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- Pinch of salt

- Optional: 1 tbsp black sesame or walnut pieces for topping

Steps:

1. Mix dry ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Add sugar and whisk evenly.

2. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk with oil until smooth.

3. Dough formation: Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Gently knead with your hands until a soft dough forms—avoid overworking to maintain crumbliness.

4. Shape the cookies: Divide the dough into small balls (about 20g each). Flatten each into a disc, place on a baking sheet, and gently press a fork pattern on top. Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

5. Bake: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges turn golden. Let cool completely—their crunchiness intensifies as they set!

Tips:

- For extra flavor, replace 1/3 of the flour with almond flour.

- Ensure dough is chilled for 30 minutes before shaping for better texture.

Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth treats with tea or as a snack!